Article Sidebar
Published:
Nov 9, 2005Keywords:
burnout stress warning signs medical practitioners self care
Article Details
Issue
Section
Articles
By submitting manuscripts to SAFP, authors of original articles are assigning copyright to the SA Academy of Family Practice/Primary Care. Copyright of review articles are assigned to the Publisher, Medpharm Publications (Pty) Ltd, unless otherwise specified. Authors may use their own work after publication without written permission, provided they acknowledge the original source. Individuals and academic institutions may freely copy and distribute articles published in SAFP for educational and research purposes without obtaining permission.
Main Article Content
Approaching burnout
Abstract
Burnout is a danger faced by many health professionals. As doctors, we often do not realise our vulnerability to stress and our woundedness as healers. This article arose from the author’s personal experience. It outlines some of the reasons that medical practitioners are prone to burnout and discusses the problem of maintaining boundaries with the associated tensions that arise. Early warning signs of burnout are described, such as a loss of direction and focus, irritability, increasingly making mistakes, insecurity and lack of insight. Strategies for avoiding burnout are suggested, including making sure that one accesses the support of key people, cares for oneself physically and clarifies one’s goals.
South African Family Practice Vol. 47(2) 2005: 5-8
South African Family Practice Vol. 47(2) 2005: 5-8
